Low Supply?

[gadarah2]

I am wondering if I have a low supply of milk. My son is 8 1/2 weeks old and seems to get easily frustrated during feeding. He does have acid reflux, which he is on medication for and is helping. My question is when I pump I only seem to get 1-2 oz per time. That's if I pumped every two hours when he normally eats. If I have been away from him and I pump after 3-4 hours between feedings I get 3 - 3 1/2 oz. My problem is though when he has to take a bottle he takes 3 oz without a problem, but I can't pump that unless it's been a long time since he breastfed. What should he be eating? I am concerned that my supply hasn't kept up with what he requires.

He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz at birth and three days ago he was 10 lbs. 12 oz. The doctor said he is the 26% on the chart for weight, and he didn't seem concerned, but I want to make sure that things are going like they should be because I plan to breastfeed at least until he is a year old. Help!

[Rhona]

I sometimes feel like a broken record these days in having to tell moms that the pump is NOT indicative of milk production. What I mean by that is that a baby removes milk differently than a pump so we can not assess milk volumn in the breast based on what a pump removes. If your baby does not go to breast regularly and you are using the pump only it is indeed difficult to keep up with the baby's needs. You should if possible keep up a diligent pumping schedule. I know that this is often not what a mom wants to hear but making your milk is strictly supply and demand. Your body bases it's production on stimulation to the breast. Good luck.

[gadarah2]

So it is normal not to get as much milk pumped as what he is eating? He does eat regularly every 2-3 hours during the day and sometimes it goes a little longer at night. Is it possible that my supply can be different at different times of the day? At night when he wakes up to eat I feel fuller even when he is waking up every two hours to eat.

I guess my main concern is that he eats for about 5 minutes on each side and then seems frustrated. I can hear a lot of swallowing in that amount of time. Could the acid reflux be causing him trouble after he has gotten the majority of the milk?

I thought I had myself so educated when I started so I feel like a dumby that maybe I've done something wrong. Would a hospital grade breast pump be better to use vs. my Medela Pump N' Style? Or is the Pump N' Style suffient?

Thank you for your time.

[Rhona]

Absolutely, and it is more about the difference again between what a baby actually remove and what the pump does. Milk supply's are different at different times of the day. Often later in the day supply can be less which explains a bit why babies eat more in the evening at night. You are not dumb about any of this as most of us "learn" as we go. The reflux can certainly cause a baby discomfort. The kind of pump certainly can effect things. A Pump n' Style is a good pump for home use but certainly a hospital grade has a more powerful motor. I am wondering if you are able to nurse the baby more to actual try to increase volumn. That process will take several days of increased stimulation but may be helpful. Your baby is lucky to have such a dedicated mom. Great job!

[gadarah2]

Thank you for your time and advice. I will relax now and keep doing what my baby needs me to do. I am determined to make it work. There is such great satisifaction in breastfeeding. I'm glad there are people like you that we can turn to for help.

[Rhona]

Your welcome and enjoy that beautiful baby! They grow very quickly...